The Alternative Bank, in partnership with Plateau State University (PLASU), has introduced a major development in livestock feed production through the successful cultivation of Alfalfa, a high-protein forage crop, now performing well under trial conditions in Plateau State. The initiative, funded under the bank’s Corporate Social Investment programme and officially handed over to the university in May 2025, is being described as a turning point for Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Stakeholders believe the project could increase animal productivity, lower feed costs, and help address the farmer-herder conflict by providing sustainable feed alternatives.

The results of the Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance Trials were presented during PLASU’s Green Field Day held at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Plot in Bokkos. The event brought together key players from research, policy, agriculture, and development sectors who came to witness the progress made on the trials.

Early outcomes have been encouraging, with germination rates reported at over 85 per cent within two weeks and plants reaching 66.5 centimetres in height within just 13 weeks. Researchers noted that these results confirm Alfalfa’s suitability for Plateau’s climate and soil conditions.

Projections show that biomass yields could reach 18 to 20 tons per hectare annually under rain-fed conditions, with protein levels meeting international standards.

Associate Professor Hosea Istifanus Finangwai, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and lead researcher on the project, highlighted the significance of the findings. He said the results “open new pathways for strengthening ruminant nutrition and establishing a more resilient livestock feed system across the country.”

Representing The Alternative Bank, Head of Agric Finance Ugonwa Ikegwuonu delivered the remarks of CEO Hassan Yusuf, who described the initiative as “a major milestone for Nigeria’s agricultural future.”

He added that the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between academia and the financial sector, aligning with the bank’s mission to promote regenerative agriculture and university-led innovations with commercial and social benefits.

PLASU Vice-Chancellor Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, represented by Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, praised the collaboration, noting that it enhances the university’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation. He said the project offers students practical training, entrepreneurial exposure, and opportunities in agribusiness.

Members of the herder community who attended the event expressed gratitude for being involved in the process and pledged to support its implementation. Plateau State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Sunday Akpa, commended the partnership and announced plans to scale up the project to all 17 local government areas.

He emphasised that the Alfalfa trials are key to improving the livestock value chain, boosting rural livelihoods, and advancing the state’s food security goals.

This Alfalfa initiative is part of The Alternative Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and funding research-based solutions that deliver measurable impact nationwide.

Cross River State Government has launched a major agricultural initiative aimed at improving food security, nutrition, and household livelihoods through the distribution of improved cowpea seeds to farmers and families across the state. The programme was flagged off on Wednesday at the Calabar Municipal Council, marking a key step in the state’s food security strategy.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, who presided over the event, said the state government is taking bold steps to ensure that families have access to affordable, protein-rich food. “We are not just distributing seeds today but deepening our collective commitment to food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods for the people of Cross River State,” Ebokpo stated.

The distribution is part of the homestead cowpea cultivation programme, a component of Governor Bassey Otu’s Food Security and Nutrition Initiative. According to Ebokpo, a total of 3,600 packs of 1.5kg improved cowpea seeds, known as SAMPEA 20-T, are being shared with farmers and households. He explained that the programme will allow families to cultivate beans in their backyards and community spaces, helping to bridge critical nutritional gaps, especially for children.

Ebokpo highlighted that food inflation has made beans, a staple food in Nigerian homes, increasingly expensive in the southern part of the country due to high transportation costs. Prices of animal protein such as beef, chicken, and fish have also risen sharply, leaving many families unable to afford a balanced diet.

“By promoting homestead cowpea cultivation, we are offering families an affordable, accessible, and sustainable protein source,” he said.

The commissioner noted that beneficiaries are encouraged to “consume and conserve” by eating part of their harvest while saving seeds for future planting. He said state extension officers will support farmers with technical guidance to ensure continuous seed multiplication, which could lead to smallholder and commercial production.

Dr. John Ikongha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasised the importance of nutrition and identified availability, access, utilisation, and stability as the four pillars of food security. He called the initiative “home-based” as it encourages cultivation within households. Director of Agricultural Services, Ubi Ubana, advised farmers on safe seed handling and explained that “the quantity given is 1.5kg. When properly planted, at the end of 75 to 90 days, you are going to harvest about 100kg of beans.” He cautioned that the seeds are treated and poisonous if consumed directly, urging farmers to wash their hands after planting.

Hilary Bisong, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition, pledged legislative backing for the initiative. “You cannot have healthy people that are hungry. You cannot do projects when people are hungry,” he said, stressing that cowpea will be a cheaper alternative to animal protein.

He also thanked the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for championing the project.

Stakeholders and beneficiaries who attended the launch praised the programme, saying it has renewed their confidence in a secure agricultural future and brought hope to households across the state.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take urgent measures to address the rising cost of food items across Nigeria.

The directive was revealed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a one-day capacity-building workshop for the Senate Press Corps held at the National Assembly Library Complex in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Abdullahi outlined a series of reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration aimed at stabilising food prices, strengthening agricultural value chains, and easing the economic pressure faced by Nigerian households.

Abdullahi said, “The President has issued a marching order, and a Federal Executive Council committee is actively working to ensure the seamless movement of food products across key routes. The cost of transporting food significantly affects final prices, and this government is determined to intervene.”

He explained that the government’s intervention would focus on addressing inefficiencies in the country’s food transport system, which has long been identified as one of the main drivers of food inflation. The minister noted that poor transportation infrastructure continues to cause significant post-harvest losses and price increases.

To tackle this, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is expanding the Post-Harvest for Sustainable Development Programme to help farmers reduce losses while improving storage and distribution capacity.

“The government is also launching initiatives such as the Farmer’s Health Skill Programme and a comprehensive reform of agricultural cooperatives to empower rural communities and boost local production,” Abdullahi added.

The minister also stressed the importance of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs to protect the country from global price shocks. “These reforms are crucial for ensuring food security, creating jobs, and relieving the economic burden on Nigerians,” he said.

At the same workshop, former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, warned the 10th Senate against exceeding its constitutional mandate, particularly in matters involving private companies not engaged in managing public funds or executing federal laws.

Enang, who served in both chambers of the National Assembly between 1999 and 2015, said some recent activities by legislative committees showed overreach and threatened the rule of law.

“There is a current trend where the legislature, through her committees, has exceeded her powers in many respects, especially concerning private companies and citizens beyond her remit,” Enang said.

He cited legal precedents including DHL International Nigeria Ltd v. Senate and NECA & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation, restating that under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly’s investigative and legislative powers apply strictly to public entities and those managing public resources.

Quoting Justice J.H. Sankey of the Court of Appeal in the NECA case, he noted that private organisations not handling public funds or implementing federal mandates cannot legally be subjected to legislative investigations.

“Any continued action by Senate Committees in this regard, especially with pending cases in court, amounts to undermining the rule of law,” Enang warned.

His caution followed concerns raised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in an open letter published in ThisDay on September 8, where the association highlighted what it described as legislative interference in corporate governance.

Enang aligned with these concerns, arguing that such actions “create confusion, undermine the authority of MDAs, and waste valuable business resources.” He advised the legislature to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter before pursuing further inquiries into private sector operations.

Addressing journalists at the event, Enang urged correspondents covering the National Assembly to focus on substance rather than sensationalism in their reporting.

He said, “Parliamentary journalism is a specialised field that contributes significantly to democratic growth. I encourage you to study bills before reporting them. This improves both public understanding and journalistic credibility.”

He further recommended regular training opportunities for legislative correspondents through institutions like the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Enang also encouraged journalists to consider careers in politics. “Others have done it. You too can,” he said.

The workshop was attended by key figures including the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, and the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. Participants included correspondents and media professionals assigned to cover National Assembly activities.